Last spring during our trip to the United Kingdom I had the opportunity to meet Brent's gran, Vera. Although we had only two visits together, it felt like I had met her several times before, through Brent's many stories of her tenacity and her kindness toward others.
Brent's many comical and heart-warming recollections led me to affectionately describe gran as a 'firecracker' - a strong woman with plenty of wit and a big heart.
Gran modeling the scarf we had brought back from Scotland for her
I remember our visits vividly. I had been building up so much anxiety prior to the first time we met. With gran being a role model to Brent, I wanted to make sure that I made a good impression. My hands were clammy as we walked toward the doors of her apartment, my muscles tense from attempts to remain composed. A small-framed woman opened the door and let out a gleeful greeting, and instantly my muscles relaxed, my heart rate slowed. In that gentle embrace with gran, I felt a wave of comfort wash over me.
We sat in her living area chatting for quite some time before we’d head off for lunch. I glanced around the room, eyeing photos of family and friends that covered the tables and walls. It was clear that this was a woman loved by so many. I had remained relatively quiet throughout the initial conversation, observing the interaction between Brent and Gran and learning even more about the life of this incredible woman.
During our second visit, the coronation was softly playing on the TV. We had unintentionally scheduled this trip during the coronation of Charles III and his wife Camilla. Gran provided the most comical commentary throughout the broadcast, leaving us all giggling at her amusing remarks. She had a talent of gracefully speaking her mind, a trait that I admired deeply.
I can’t recall how the topic was brought up, but at some point in the visit Brent and I had been asked if we had heard about ‘Chris’. Puzzled, Brent shook his head no. Gran let out a soft chuckle before heading to the kitchen, where she pointed to a calendar hung upon the wall, where Chris Hemsworth donned every page. Gran certainly had excellent taste. 
During our first visit Brent had recounted stories of the many times Gran would sew costumes for him, emphasizing her talent in creatively making outfits on a limited budget. Gran had mentioned how she had knitted most of her own sweaters, and I had marveled at yet another incredible quality she possessed. I myself could barely handle a basic stitch, much less make an entire piece of clothing.
Before saying our goodbyes, Gran brought me to her room where she had delicately placed several of her hand-knit sweaters on the small bed. She gently picked up one of the sweaters and placed it in my hands. The kindness of this gesture caused me to become overwhelmed with emotion. I had ever-so-carefully packed the sweater on our return home - precious cargo.
I had not anticipated that the simple yet profound gesture would forever shape the way that I would remember her. A sweater more than just a piece of clothing meant to comfort you during a chill - it is a tangible symbol of her love, every stitch crafted with her warmth, affection and resilience. Her presence enveloping the wearer like a warm hug, offering comfort and solace.
Mrs. Vera Ball passed on in January 2024, but her legacy lives on in every stitch, reminding us that love and kindness are the threads that bind us all together. We miss you, gran.
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